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Future Continuous
​(Future Progressive)

Picture
This week we will CONTINUE discussing the FUTURE!



​We will be learning the about the FUTURE CONTINUOUS tense (also known as the FUTURE PROGRESSIVE tense!

Form:
will + be + __(verb)_____-ing 

The future progressive is formed with the modal WILL, the base form of the verb BE, and an action verb + -ING.

*It is possible to use be going to (She is going to be eating dinner.) instead of will (She will be eating dinner.), but will is more common.

For example:
She will be eating dinner.
At 10 o'clock, I will be sleeping.


Use #1
The main function of the future progressive is to show a continuing (long) action getting interrupted by a short future action. The independent clause uses will + be + -ing verb and the dependent clause takes the simple present. The time marker when is often used for this case.
  • It's a surprise party. The guests will be hiding when Tina arrives at her friend's house.
  • We will be standing on the sidewalk when the parade goes by.

Note #1
You can start the sentences with either the independent clause OR the dependent clause with no difference in meaning. A comma must be used when a dependent clause begins a sentence.
  • When the babysitter arrives, Mrs. Rivas will be getting ready to go out.
  • The children will be jumping up and down with excitement when the Potter family gets their new puppy.

Note #2
It's also possible to use the future progressive when a clock time is mentioned instead of a dependent clause.
  • What will you be doing at 8:00 pm tonight? (What will you be doing when it is 8:00 pm tonight?)
  • I will be studying at 8:00 pm tonight. (I will be studying when it is 8:00 pm tonight.)



Use #2
The secondary function of the future progressive is to emphasize that two long, continuing actions will happen at the same time.
  • The basketball team will be trying to win the championship while the cheerleaders will be making sure the fans are excited.
  • Lila will be washing the dishes while Karen will be vacuuming.
​
It is also possible to use the future progressive to emphasize only one long future action.
  • We will be studying all night.
  • The audience will be begging for more.​
General Notes:

Note #1
The future progressive can be used to ask politely about someone's intentions.
  • Will he be bringing his girlfriend to the party tonight?
  • Will you be coming home right after work?

Note #2
Although two future progressive verbs are possible, it is more common to use two simple future verbs unless you really want to emphasize the long action.
  • I will be answering emails and you will be texting your friend.
  • I will answer emails and you will text your friend. (more common)

Note #3
Remember that non-action verbs (be, have, feelings, states, the five senses, etc.) almost never take a progressive form.
Example #1:
  • She will be having a new puppy next month. ✗
  • She will have a new puppy next month. ✓
Example #2:
  • They will be liking the performance tonight. ✗
  • They will like the performance tonight. ✓
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  • Home
  • Parents
  • Emergency Aid
  • Strategies you can use now
  • English Magic
  • PREMIUM
  • For ENL teachers / Worksheets and other resources
  • Tip of the day
  • Important Acronyms
  • Videos and Songs for your smartboard
  • Routine for Newcomers
  • ELL Testing Accommodations
  • Dictionaries
  • Parts of Speech
  • NYSESLAT